Now Ready. A new Centennial Drama, by Geo. M. Baker, entitled "One Hun- 
dred Years Ajyo, or Our Boys of 1776." 2 Acts. 8 male, 3 female characters. 
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Just Published. The " Popular Edition " of Baker's Reading Club and Handy 
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•^ A Collection of COMEDIES, DRAMAS, and FARCES, adapted to eitJier Public 
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the necessary Stage Business. 



SPENCEH'S UmVEESAL STAGE. 



>•' 









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1. liost ?.n liOndon. A Drama in 

Three Acts. 6 Msle, 4 Female char- 
acters. 

2. jVicholas Flam. A Comedy jn Two 

Acts. By J. B. Buckstone. 5 Male, 
3 Female characters. 

3. The "Welsli Girl, A Comedy in 

One Act. V^y Mrs. Planche. 3 Male, 
2 Female characters. 

4. Joliii Wopps. A Farce in One Act. 

By W. E. Sutcr. 4 Male, 2 Female 
char-icters. 

The Turkish Bath. A Farce in 
One Act. By 3Iontague "Williams 
and F. C. Burnand. 6 Male, 1 Fe- 
male character. 

The Two Putldifoots. A Farce 
in One Act. i\v J. M. Morton. 3 
Male, 3 Female characters. 

Old Honesty. A Comic Drama in 
Two Acts. By J. M. Morton. 5 
Male, 2 Female characters. 

Tavo Gentiemeu in a Tix. A 

Farce in One Act. By W. E. Suter. 

2 31ale characters. 

Sntashington Goit. A Farce in 
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3 Female characters. 

Tito Heads Better thanOne. A 

Farce in One Act. By Lenox Home. 

4 Male, 1 Female character. 

John I>obbs. A Farce in One Act. 
By J. M. Morton. 5 Male, 2 Female 
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12. The Daughter of the Regi- 

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Edward Fitzball. G Male, 2 Female 
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13. Aunt Charlotte's Maid. A Farce 

in One Act. By J. M. 3Iorton. 3 
Male, 3 Female characters. 

14. Brother Bill and Me. A Farce in 

One Act. By W. E. Suter. 4 Male, 
3 Femalfi characters. 

15. Bone on Both Sides. A Farce in 

One Act. By J. M. Morton. 3 
Male, 2 Female characters. 

1« T>iinducl£ctty's Picnic. A Farce 
in One Act. By T. J. Williams. 6 
Male, 3 Female characters. 

Ir. I've ^vrltten to Browne. A Farce 
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Male, 3 Female characters. 



18. Lending a Hand. A Farce in One 

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19. My Precious Betsy. A Farce in 

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20. My Turn IVext. A Farce in One Act. 

By T. J. AVilliams. 4 Male, 3 Fe- 
'*" male ehaiTi^ters. 



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22. 



23. 



24. 



26. 



25. 



27. 



28. 



29. 



30. 



31. 



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35. 



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BTine Point.? of the Law^. A Com- 
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4 Male, 3 Female characters. 

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Bandelions Bodges. A Farce in 
One Acf. By T. J. Williams. 4 
Male, 2 Female characters. 

A Slice of L.uck. A Farce in One 
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Always Intended. A Comedy in 
One Act. By Horace Wigan. 3 
Male, 3 Female characters. 

A Bull in a China Shop. A Com- 
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Another Glass. A Drama in One 
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Bo-wled Out, A Farce in One Act. 
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Cousin Tom. A Commedietta in 
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Sarah's Young Man. A Farce in 
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Hit Him, He has No Friends. 
A Farce in One Act. By E. Yates 
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The Christening. A Farce in One 
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A Race for a Wido-w. A Fare* 
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Tour Life's in Banger. A Farce 
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True unto Beath. A Drama in 
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6 Male, 2 Femalo characters. 



OOOCCc^o^'CXQuODC)ODDOQ£)^OOQOC)€C'u004JDC'Q^ 



ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO: 



OR, 



OUR BOYS OF 1776, 



A PATRIOTIC DRAMA IN TWO ACTS. 



BY JHE AUTHOR OF 

"Sylvia's Soldier;' ''Once on a Time,'' "Down bv the Sea," "Bread on the 
Waters,' " 1 He L,st Loaf,; " Stand by the Flag," ''The Tempter," "A Drop 
Too Much" ' We're All Teetotalers," " A Lntle More Cider," "Thirty mS 
utes f<)r Refreshments "• Wanted, a Male Cook," "A Sea of Troubles," ''Free- 
dom of the Press " "A Close Shave," " The Great Elixir," "The Man with the 
Dem,3ohn, '_ "New Brooms Sweep Clean," '"Humors of the Strike," "My 
Uncle the Captain ;" The Gr«itest Plague in Life," '• No Cure, No Pay," "The 
Grecian Bend," =" i he VVar of the Roses," "Lightheart's Pilgrimage" "The 
Sculptor s Triumph, "Too Late for the Train," " Snow-Bouiid," "The Ped- 
fi'tl?ivv"'^"^''M' "Bonbons,' "Capuletta," "An Original Idea," "Enlisted 
Friln '''"xr'lv'r"''^.-?'?' "The Champion of her Sex," "The Visions of 
Freedom, "The Merry Christmas of the Old Woman who lived in a Shoe," 
Ca 1 " & '™''™^"' Idylcourt," "A Thorn among the Roses," "A Christmas 



» f 



BOSTON: s%^/H^^ 



GEORGE M. BAKER AND COMPANY, 

41-45 Franklin Street. 
1876. 



\ 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1876. 

BY GEORGE M. BAKER, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at "Washington. 



Franklin Press: 

Stereotyped and Printed by 

Rand, Avery, & Co. 



ONE HUNDEED TEAES AGO; 

OR, OUR BOYS OF 1770. 
A PATRIOTIC DRAMA IN TWO ACTS, 



CHARACTERS. 

Obed Sterling, a Quaker. 

' Ephraim Sterling, his Son. 

. Elmer Granger, a Young Patriot. 

Uriel Bosworth, a Quaker Convert. 

Pretzel, a Dutchman. 

Ginger, a Negro. 

Burke, } m • 
^ / Tories. 

Blucher, ) 

Rachel Sterling, the Quaker Mother. 

Ruth Sterling, her Daughter. 

Prudence Granger, Ehner's Sister. 

The scene of the drama is near Philadelphia, July 4, 1776. 



COSTUMES. 

Obed. Black, brown, or gray Quaker suit; white hair, parted 
in centre; long stockings, to match suit; plain hlack shoes; 
broad-brimmed hat. 

Bosworth and Ephraim. Quaker suits of same character, but 
differing in color or in the color of stockings. Bosworth has 
black hair, -parted in middle ; Ephraim a very light wig, parted 
in the middle, with hair slightly curly at ends. 



4 OKE HUNDRED YEARS AGO. 

Elmer, Keat suit of continental fashion ; brown coat; buff vest; 

white necktie; brown breeches; blue stockings; shoes with 

buckles ; cocked hat, 
Pketzel. Brown trunks, or full trousers fastened at the knee; 

blue stockings; short brown coat; small Dutch cap, or knit 

woollen cap with tassel at end. 
Ginger. Gray breeches; red stockings; blue striped shirt; red 

waistcoat, open; grizzled wig; heavy shoes, 
Blucher and Burke. Brown coats; red waistcoats; dark 

breeches; brown or gray stockings; shoes without buckles. 
Mrs. Sterling. Gray dress; white kerchief, nejftly pinned 

across bosom ; Quaker cap, 
Ruth. Brown or gray dress, opening in front, showing white 

skirt, rather short; long sleeves; high neck; white hose, and 

black shoes; hair light, in Grecian knot. 
Prudence. Sliort patch petticoat, with looped overskirt aud 

waist of red material; sleeves rolled up in first act, and apron 

on; hair done up high with large comb; sleeves turned down 

for second act. 

The Quaker costumes may be hard to obtain, but can easily be 
manufactured. For hats, cover wide-rimmed straw hats with 
brown or gray cambric, "wrong-side" out. For coats, "stand 
up" the collars of any old-fashioned dark coats, to give a prim 
and stiff appearance. The balance can easily be obtained. Guns 
used in this piece should have the appearance of flint-locks. 



STAGE DIRECTIONS. 

R., right; c, centre; l., left; l c, left centre; r. c, right cen- 
tre; L. 1 E., left first entrance; r. 1e., right first entrance; flat, 
scene at back of stage; r. u. e., right upper entrance. 



ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 

OR, 

OUH BOYS OF 1776. 



A PATRIOTIC DRAMA IN TWO ACTS. 

Act I. — Morning. Kitchen in Obed Sterling's Jiouse. 
Door in flat r. c. Windoio in flat l. c, icitJi muslin 
curtain draped. Fireplace r., ivitJiflre burning, and 
teakettle hanging on crane. Door or entrance l. 1 e., 
R. 1 E., and R. u. E. Settle r., betzveen fire and 
door. {If this cannot be easily procured, form one 
by placing tivo ivooden chairs side by side, and cover 
ivith cotton cloth.) l. c, near window, tub on zvooden 
bench, par^Z?/ filled with suds, tcashboard, and luhite 
clothes, x>iece of yelloio soap on ivashboard, clothes- 
basket and pail on fioor beside tub. Table l. , against 
scene, chair r. of it. Add any old-fashioned things, 
such as spinning -luheel, churn, &c., that may be pro- 
curable, and place out of the way at r. or l. As the 
curtain rises, drum and fife are heard playing 
" Yankee Doodle " outside, gradually dying away in 
the distance. Prudence discovered at windoio, hold- 
ing back curtain, and looking out. 

1* 6 



6 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO ; 

Prudence. There they go. Bless their true, loyal 
hearts ! I wish King George could only see them. He'd 
need but one look at their stout forms and brave faces to 
teach him that all the Stamp Acts in creation. couldn't 
stamp out the grit that's ground into every mother's son 
that has rolled in this rugged soil. {Turns to tub, and 
washes briskly.) I'm glad to see this sojery here. It 
did look for a while as though the Tories were going to 
have it all their own way ; but the patriots have woke 
up, and I reckon there'll be lively times here. It takes 
me right back to dear old Concord, and the day the 
British came up to surprise us. The drum and fife 
played to some purpose then. They came and found us 
ready, and the getting back a pesky sight harder than 
the coming. It was a sad day for us. Father fell 
among the first. Our old house was burned to the 
ground ; and mother (it sickens me to think of it) was 
butchered by a coward. And, but for my brave brother, 
I — I — {Puts hands to her eyes.) Dear me ! I've 
filled my eyes with suds. I won't think of that fearful 
scene. Many homes must be blasted before the t^Tant 
can be made to feel he is powerless to enslave a people 
roused to a sense of their wrongs. Come, Prudence, 
chirk up. There's bluing enough in your tub; so 
don't you get the blues. {Sings air " Yankee 
Doodle:') 

" Father and I went down to camp, 
Along of Capt. Tooding; 
And there we saw the men and boys, 
As thick as hasty pudding." 

{Enter Pretzel door in flat, ivithpipe in his mouth; 



OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 7 

leans against door-post, and smokes while she is sing- 
ing the chorus. ) 

'" Yankee doodle, keep it up, 
Yankee doodle dandy ; 
Mind tlie music and the steps, 
And with the ,0rls be handy," 

Pretzel. Yaw, dot is goot. Miss Prudence, vash 
you dare ? 

Prudence. Yes, Mr. Pretzel, I wash here. 

Pretzel. Yaw. Ihearj^ou sing sometings. You hear 
der droms and der fifes ven der play 'long mit der 
music ? 

Prudence. Hear them? I should think so. That 
tune should wake the spirit of e\Qvy man who loves his 
country. 

Pretzel. Yaw, dot is so. It vake me right up from 
mine shleep, and I feel so mad dot I moost do some- 
tings right ava}^ pretty quick. 

Prudence. For 3'our countr}'? You have a noble 
spirit, Mr. Pretzel. 

Pretzel. Yaw, spirit is goot. I moost do sometings : 
so I call mine man Yawcup to go right ava}^ and get 
me — 

Prudence. Your gun. I see, noble Pretzel. 

Pretzel. Right avay down cellar, and draw mine 
peer. 

Prudence. Pshaw ! j^ou've got no patriotism. 

Pretzel. Batriotism. I donno vhat you mean by 
dot ; but I be got der pest peer — 

Prudence. Is this the time to think of beer ? 

Pretzel. Yaw, der ish no time dot ever vas to come 
pefore dot I do not tink of mine peer. 



3 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 

Prudence. 'Tis out of place now. 

Pretzel. Nein : 'tis in der keg onder de stairs, first 
on der right as you go town mit der left. 

Prudence. I don't want to hear any more about 
your beer. 

Pretzel. Yaw. Veil, I haf else sometings dot will 
blease you {sits on settle) , — sometings dot make me 
so shtupid dot I can't shut mine eyes vhen I haf gone 
to shleep mit mine ped. Dot is you, fraulein. I loaf 
you. 

Prudence {with clothes in her hands, starts hack : very 
loud). What? 

Pretzel. Yaw. I loaf you petter dan sourkraut, 
petter dan mine peer. Ven I tink of 3'ou mit your 
pright eyes, my heart joomp right out of mine mout, 
and peats droomsticks mit my posom. 

Prudence {snapping her teeth, and tvringing out a 
sheet). It does, does it? 

Pretzel. Yaw. So I get run ofer from mine house 
to get you for mine frau. 80 3^ou comes mit me, and 
be mine frau, and you shall vash all der day mit your 
tub, — all mine close dot never haf peen vashed at all 
some more. 

Prudence {who has twisted a wet sheet into a weapon) . 
Mr. Pretzel, do you see that door? 

Pretzel {looks round at door without rising) . Yaw ; 
dot is a goot toor. 

Prudence {comes down stage) . Then instantly take 
yourself outside of it. 

Pretzel. Mit j^ou, fraulein? 

Prudence {strikes pipe from his mouth with her 



OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 9 

weapon). Never, you mean, contemptible, cowardly 
Dutchman ! 

Pretzel (Jumping up). Vhat for you smash mine 
pipe ? You vant to proke mine heart mit your non- 
sense ? 

Prudence. I'll break j^our head if you're not out of 
this house quick. (Flourishing her loeapon.) Go! 

Pretzel. Keep avay ! I'll bring you tamages mit a 
court ; and I'll nefer come back here some more. 

Prudence. If you do, I'll scald yo\x. ( Threatening.) 
Go! 

Pretzel (at door) . Yaw. May I nefer hope to die 
if I do. (Exit door in flat.) 

Prudence (returns to tub) . Was there ever such im- 
pudence? Ha, ha, ha! I've found a lover at last. 
Poor old Pretzel wants a frau. " You come mit me.'* 
Ha, ha, ha ! I needn't die an old maid ; but it will 
certainh^ be my last chance when I consent to become 
Frau Pretzel. ( Wrings out clothes^ and puts them in 
basket. Ginger heard outside lohistUng " Yankee 
Doodle.'^ He throws open door, and marches down 
stage to front <, still whistling ; has a heavy stick of wood 
at '''•shoulder-arms.''^) 

Ginger (marking time) . Ker-ker-kerumpany — ten- 
sion. Halt! order — hams! (Lets stick doiun upon his 
toe; drops it, seizes foot with both hands, hops across 
stage on one foot howling, drops into chair, l.) Wh- 
wh-what de infusion in de ranks? Wliooh ! — dar's a 
halt in de confield sure's yoM bawn. 

Prudence. Ginger, where on earth have 3^ou been? 

Ginger. Hm? Dat you, Miss Prudence? Been down 



10 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO ; 

wid de sojers onto de — de pomade ground, you know, 
down de cow-pastur. Lots of 'em down dar, and so 
fine. Oh, goll}^ ! Dar was Gunnel StufRn — 

Prudence. No, no. Ginger : Col. Griffin. 

Ginger. Hm ? Wal, he had stuffin nuff in his buzzum 
to fill a bolster. Den dar was Capn — Capn Gingham. 

Prudence. Oh, no, Ginger ! Capt. Ingram. 

Ginger. Yas, dat what I said, — Cap'n Gingham. 
He was dressed up fine, he was. He had a big sliut — 
shut — shut — two on his head ; an' — an' — an' — a 
yaller flume stuck into it ; an' — an' — a red crash 
round his waist ; an' — an' — a napkin on his back ; 
an' — an' — a partridge-box fastened onto his side. 
Golly ! he jes as proud as — as — a rooster in de barn- 
3'ard. Lots dere. Miss Prudence. I wanted to jine, 
but dey wouldn't let me. Said 'twould spoil my com- 
plex. Dey was going to trabble in de sun, and I'd get 
tanned. If some of dem fellows don't get tanned, 
den shoot me. 

Prudence. It is a grand rising. I've seen many 
such down East. 

Ginger. Down Yeast ! Yas, dat's de yeast dat sets 
de whole countr}- rising. 

Prudence. Come, Ginger, help me with the basket. 

Ginger (rising). To be sure, to be sure ! {Limps.) 
Have jes' about smashed dat ere hoof {feels of heel) ; 
but de vital part am safe. {Enter Mrs. Sterling 
R. u. E., with kyiitting in her hands.) 

Mrs. S. Has thee nearly finished thy washing, Pru- 
dence ? 

Prudence. Yes. The last basketful is just going 
out. 



OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. H 

Mrs. S. Thee is a smart girl, Prudence, and a 
good one. 

Prudence. And you are a good, kind friend to me ; 
for when I had no home, out of love for my mother, 
who had left the Friends to marry my father, 3^ou 
called me to 3'ou, and comforted me in m}^ sorrow 
with lovinsj words and kind acts. 

Mrs. S. Child, thee has repaid us a thousand-fold. 
Thy hands are skilful, thy feet active, tli}' whole soul is 
in thy work, and tli}- singing and laughter sunshine in 
our sober house. 

Ginger. Dat's so, missus ; she de sunshine in de 
garden too. Pe roses blush wid pleasure when she 
skips along de paths ; an' — an' — de great proud 
sunflowers look ashamed of demselves for being so 
ugh^ looking ; an' — an' de inyuns waft de fragrance ; 
an' — an' — 

Prudence. Ha, ha, ha ! Ginger, j^ou are too ro- 
mantic. 

Ginger. Got a little touch of de rumatics when dat 
ar stick dropped. 

Prudence. Come, we shall not get the clothes out 
to-day. (Takes handle of basket.) 

Ginger {takes other side of basket). Say, Miss 
Prudence, whj- am we — us, j^ou and me — like twins? 

Prudence. Can't guess that. Ginger. 

Ginger. Kase — kase — kase we's so clothesly 
united. See? Yah, yah, 3'ah ! Dat's a conunder- 
done. 

Prudence. It's overdone. Ginger; we must find a 
dividing line somewhere. 



j[2 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 

Ginger. We'll liab to trabble from pole to pole to 
find it. Yah, j^ah, 3'ah ! (Exeunt Prudence and 
Ginger, icith basket, door in f.) 

Mrs. S. (sitting on settle, and knitting). She's a 
dear good girl, though she does plague the Friends 
with her plain talk on equal rights and liberty'. They 
call her a firebrand : but I like her all the better for 
that. She is a spark thrown up by the great fire of 
patriotism which waved so grandly at Concord, fallen 
here to kindle a fresh blaze for libert3\ Ah, Rachel ! 
thee is a little treacherous to tli}' faith. The Friends 
counsel peace ; but I fear thy heart is with the op- 
pressed. (Enter, door in flat, Obed Sterling, /o/^otoecZ 
by Bos WORTH.) 

Obed. AVhat thee says may be true, Friend Bos- 
worth ; but the Friends counsel neutralit}' in these 
troublous daj's. 

Boswortli. Na}', nay ; the Friends are wrong. We 
must take side in the coming struggle. Thee knows 
the rebels are in council now in the city, have already 
framed a declaration of independence which to-day 
will be adopted. Their harangues are loud and bitter. 
The}' hurl defiance at our good Friend George, who is 
the rightful owner of this soil. We must be just to 
him. 

Mrs. S. Though he be unjust to us. Thinkest thou 
this would be the advice of Friend William Penn, who 
boiiglit this land of Friend George, and gave it to us 
as a refuge from oppressors ? 

Obed. Na}^ nay, Rachel ; thee must not counsel 
opposition. We are Friends. If our enem}^ smite us 
on the right cheek, we must turn to him the left. 



OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 13 

Mrs. S. Verily, Obed, thee speaks not the words 
of soberness. When the tax-gatherer did smite thee 
on the cheek, thee did turn upon him with thy fist, and 
smite him to the ground. 

Obed. Na}^, speak not of that, Rachel. I did for- 
get myself. 

3frs. S. Then let th}' memor}' be treacherous again 
on the side of right and justice. ' 

Obed. Na}^, na}^ it must not be. I should set a 
bad example to son Ephraim, who is strongly imbued 
with the principles of peace ; and daughter Ruth — 
where is the child? 

Mrs. S. I left her at her window tending plants. 

Obed. Thee had better go to her. I thought I saw 
her, as I came in, with her e^^es fastened upon the 
warlike evolutions of the rebels bej^ond. I fear the 
plants will be neglected. 

Mrs. S. I will send her to thee and Friend Bos- 
worth. (Exit R. U. E.) 

Obed. Sit thee down. Friend Bosworth (sits 07i 
settle) . 

Bosivorth {takes chair from table, and sits c). 
Friend Obed, thy daughter is a comely damsel, and 
fair to look upon. 

Obed. Yea, she is like the best fruits of my orchard, 
— fair and rosj' to the e3'e, sound and wholesome to 
the core. 

Bosivorth. Thee will not think me presuming, 
Obed ; for thee has been verj^ kind to me. "When I 
came to thee a stranger, thee did use thy influence with 
the Friends, and made me one of thy sect. 

2 



;[4 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 

Ohed. Yea, thee was a stranger, — one who had 
fled from persecution in Massachusetts, because thee 
would not join the unrighteous rebels in their oppo- 
sition to Friend George. Yea, I did stand thy friend. 
Bosworth. Thee can stand my friend again, if thee 
but choose. I love thy daughter Ruth. 
Ohed. Thee — thee love my daughter ! 
Bosworth. Yea, Friend Obed ; give her to rae, and 
tliee will never regret it. 

Ohed. If daughter Ruth saith Yea to jthy petition, 
thee will find rae thy friend ; but she shall make her 
own free choice. 

BosicortJi. Hearken, Friend Obed. In a few days 
this place will be filled with British soldiers. Only 
the friends of Friend George will be free from molesta- 
tion. Should thee remain neutral, thy fine place 
will be despoiled, thy gold seized, thyself and thy 
friends be left homeless. Thee should prepare for 
this. 

Ohed. Prepare ! How ? 

Bosworth. Make friends with the agents of Friend 
George. Offer thy services to assist in breaking down 
this unhallowed rebellion. 

Ohed. Offer my services ! Don't thee forget I am 
a Friend, — forbidden to bear arms? 

Bosworth. Thee need not, Friend Obed, bear arms. 

There are other ways in which thee can aid. I am 

in the service of Friend George. 

Ohed. Thee, Friend Bosworth? 

Bosworth. Yea. When his soldiers come, I shall 

pass in a list of the loyal and the rebellious. The 



OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776; 15 

proper!}' of the rebels will be seized. The loyal will 
still hold their own. 

Ohed. Bosworth, thee is a spy. 

Bosiuorth. Thee gives my poor services a hard 
name. No matter. Tliese rebels shall suffer for the 
wrongs they have heaped upon me ; and I'll sell them 
body and soul, if craft and cunniqg can do it. 

Obed. And thee would marry in}' daughter? 

Bosivorth. Would? I will. I am powerful now. I 
can denounce ; I can protect. If thee will use thy 
influence with her, I stand th}" friend ; if not, thee and 
til}' household must be outlawed. 'Tis a fair bargain. 
Her hand for thy peace, perhaps thy life. 

Obed. Na}', thee knows 'tis my custom to sleep 
upon a bargain. Fear not ; thy offer shall be well con- 
sidered. . Hush ! Here is daughter Ruth. {Enter 
Ruth R. u. E.) 

Ruth. Mother tells me thee does want me, father. 

Obed. Na}', daughter. I did but ask for thee, miss- 
ing thee from the kitchen. 

Ruth. Prudence sent me away. I would have 
helped her with the washing, but she bade me begone ; 
^so I have been at m}' window, watering the plants. 

Obed. And watching the men of war on the green. 

Ruth. Yea, thee is right. My ej'es would wander 
that wa}' . Was I wrong ? Thee has taught me that 
war is unholy ; that man has no right to take the life 
of his brother-man. 

Obed. Thee has been taught well. 

Ruth. Then Friend George across the water must 
be a ver}' wicked man ; for 'twas by his order the first 
blood was shed. 



1Q ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO ; 

Obed. Nay : he was but asserting his right to his 
own propert3\ 

JRutJi. Then our neighbors do right in defending 
their liberties. Is it not so? 

Ohed. Na}', child ; thee cannot understand this 
quarrel. Thee had better hold thy i>eace. Does thee 
not see Friend Bosworth? 

Buth. Friend Bosworth, thee is welcome. 

Bosioo)'t7i. Thee is always kind, Friend Ruth. 
And so thee has a wicked sj'uipath}' for these rebel- 
lious neighbors? 

Euth. Yea. I must be a very wicked little Quaker ; 
for I do hope they will wax strong in their faith that 
Iibei% is a birthright ; and he who would not defend it 
with his life is a coward. {Turns \ip stage to windoiu, 
and looks out.) 

Bosicortfi. Friend Obed, thee has a little rebel 
beneath thy roof. 

Obed^ Nay, never heed her. Friend Bosworth. 
Her mother has an obstinate nature, and is apt to be 
a little tart of tongue ; and the child is her constant 
companion. I grieve at this liacksliding from the 
principles of our faith. But thee will find son Eph- 
raim untainted with the war-spirit. He is a lad after 
my own heart. Come, let us go to my room. I would 
hear more of thy plans. (Fxit l.) 

Bosioorth {rises^ sets back chair., tu7*ns., and looks at 
RuTii). Verily, she is a little rebel. But when thee 
is mine, my pretty Ruth, I'll teach thee better. 
{Exit L.) 

HutJi {comes doion R.) . I like not Friend Bosworth. 



OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 17 

He looks no one in the face : he is soft of step, and 
hath a sneaking way of watching that troubles me. 
When my ej^es are turned away, I can feel his eyes 
upon me, for a shudder, as though a snake was crossing 
my path, runs through me. He is not to be trusted. 
(Enter Prudence door in flat with pail and dipper. ) 

Prudence {comes l.). Hallo, Miss Impudence, didn't 
I tell 3'ou not to come into the kitchen ? 

Ruth. Nay, thee must not be angry, Prudence. 
Father sent for me. 

Prudence. AVell, remember you are to touch nothing. 
Its no matter though, the washing's out. {Knock at 
door). "Who's that? Come in. {Enter Elmer Gran- 
ger with gun: looks at Ruth.) 

Elmer. Is this the house of Obed Sterling? {Sees 
Prudence : drops gun.) Prudence, sister ! 

Prudence. Why, it's Elmer ! {They r\m into each 
other's arms.) Oh, I'm so glad to see you again ! 

Elmer. Why, sis, you dear little soul ! give us 
another buss. 

Prudence. A dozen. Now, where did 3'ou come 
from, and what brings 3'ou here? 

Elmer. I came here with our delegate to the con- 
vention from Massachusetts. Arrived at Philadelphia 
3'esterda3', saw a good daj-'s work, had a good night's 
rest, and came out earl}' this morning to hunt 3'ou up 
before I go back to witness the adoption of the declara- 
tion. Sis, the whole countr}- is rising. It needs but 
that determined act to thrill all lo3^al hearts, and 
tyrann3^ is crushed, our land is free. {Looks at Ruth, 
tvho stands r. watching them.) But there's somebody, 
Prudence. Manners, sis, manners. 2* 



28 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 

Prudence. Wh}^, that's Ruth. — Ruth, this is my 
brother Elmer. 

Elmer. Hope 3'ou.are well, marm. 

Buth. Nay, thee is mistaken, the mother is within; 
I am daughter Ruth. 

Prudence. Ha, ha, ha ! She's a funn}^ little thing, 
Elmer. 

Elmer. She's a beauty, sis. I'd like to shake 
hands with her. 

Prudence. Then, why don't you? she won't bite. 

Ruth. Thee is very welcome, Friend Elmer. I 
would like to shake hands with thee, but thee seem a 
bit bashful. 

Elmer. Bashful ! me ? My gracious, sis, did you 
hear that ? 

Prudence. Ha, ha, ha ! You're frightened, Elmer. 

Elmer {crossing to Ruth) . I am a rebel. Miss Ruth, 
in arms against a t3'rant king. I would gladly give 
m}" life to see my country free. Will you give me your 
hand now? 

Ruth, Yea, thee is a man after m}" own h^art. 
Thee shall have both {offers her hands, which he takes) . 
I love thy sister dearly : should I not share her pride in 
such a noble patriot as thee is ? 

Elmer {'pressing her hands) . Thank you. Sj'mpa- 
thy for our cause from those whose principles forbid 
resistance, is a proof we are right. We only ask our 
libert}^ to hold what is our own, — nought else. 

Ruth. Indeed ! Yet thee now holds what is not 
thy own, — my hands. 

Elmer {dropping her hands) . I beg youi* pardon. I 



OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 19 

Ruth. Nay, thee must not feel hurt : thee may 
have them again if 'twill please thee. {Gives hands.) 

Elmer. Oh, you — (drops them suddenly, and turns 
to Prudence). Sis, I must run, or I shall be in love 
with this fascinating little Quaker. 

Prudence. Nonsense. Yankees never nm. {They 
talk together.) 

Buth {aside). I never saw a man I liked so well. 
He hath a good form, a noble face, and e3'es, ah ! they 
make me shudder; not as Friend Bosworth's eyes do, 
but still a shudder, yet ver}^ pleasant to feel : I like it. 

Prudence. I mustn't stop to talk with 3'ou now, 
Elmer : must get the washing things out of the wa}'. 
You run into the garden with Ruth while I pick up a bit. 

Ruth. Yea, Friend Elmer, I will show thee the way. 
Thee is not afraid to trust th3self with me? 

Elmer. Afraid! {aside) but I am. {Aloud.) Oh, 
certainl}" not ! will j^ou take my arm ? 

Ruth. Nay, give me thy hand, and I will lead thee 
to the flower-beds. {Gives hand, and leads him to 
door.) 

Prudence. Ah! Elmer? {he turns). Thee seems a 
bit bashful. Ha, ha, ha ! {He shakes his Jist at her, 
then exit ivith Ruth.) Well, he's provided for : so I'll 
go to w^ork again. {Goes behind tub, and dips luater 
from tub to pail.) It's just good to see that bo}' from 
the old place again. {Enter Ephraim, door in f. , quiet- 
ly ; stands at door a second, and looks at Prudence, 
then creeps to door r. u. e., liste^is, then steps over to 
Prudence, raises her face, and kisses her ; then steps 
quickly back to door, and stands meekly ttviiiing his 
thumbs, with eyes turned to the ceiling. 



20 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 

Prudence (as he kisses her) . Murder ! thieves ! 
(Turns, and looks at Ephraim.) Ephraim Sterling ! 

Ephraim. Yea, Friend Prudence, here I am once 
more. 

Prudence. Yes, I felt 3'our presence before you 
sjioke. How dare you? 

Ephraim. Veril}' I have travelled far this morning, 
my lips were parched with thirst : thine were like a 
tempting bunch of cherries, and I did fall into tempta- 
tion. Art thou not glad I am at home again? 

Prudence {keeps at work hailing out her tub). Yes, 
I'm glad when the cows are at home, the hens and 
chickens on their perch, and the pigs quietly asleep in 
their pens. 

Ephraim. Cows, hens, hogs ! Verily, Friend Pru- 
dence, thee takes me for a brute. 

Prudence. No, indeed, for brutes will fight. Even 
a rat will defend himself when driven to a corner. 

Ephraim. Thee knows my love of peace. Am I 
not a Friend ? 

Prudence. Fiddlesticks ! Whose friend, when you 
have not the courage or the will to defend and protect 
the oppressed ? 

Ephraim {attempts to take her hand) . Thee knows 
I would be more than a friend to thee, that I love thee. 
{She resents his attempt to take her hand, and here slips 
a piece of soap into his hand. He looks at it, and 
throws it into the tub ioith a splash.) What nonsense 
is this? 

Prudence. You talk so fast, I thought you might be 
short of soap. Ha, ha, ha ! 



OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 21 

Epliraim. Be serious, Prudence. I would have 
thee be my wife. 

Pnudence. You! why, JLinan of peace can only be 
a piece of a man an}- way. I mean to have a whole 
one, or none ; whole-hearted, whole-souled, with a 
bump of combativeness to match the bump of benevo- 
lence. The man to win a Yankee girl's heart must be 
as determined as the motto on the old flag, " Don't 
tread on me." 

Ephraim. No man should tread on me. 

Prudence. No, 3^ou would crawl out of his way. 

Epliraim. Yea, I would remove m^'self from his 
path. 

Prudence. How very kind ! But suppose you should 
see one of those hrave Tories, who take every opportu- 
nity to insult defenceless women, put his arm about 
m}' waist? 

Ephraim {fiercely) . I would knock him down. 

Prndence. But that would be violence. 

Epliraim. Thee is right. I would lay him gently 
on the earth, and sit quietly on his prostrate form till 
thee was out of sight. 

Prudence. You would protect me? 

Epliraim. With my life. Will thee not give me 
the right to protect thee ? 

Prudence. No, the man who wins me must help 
free my countr3\ 
• Ephraim. Yea, I will be that man. 

Prudence. You, a born Quaker? 

Ephraim. I will be born again. Thy love shall 
make me strong, valiant, 3'ea, for thy sake I will be- 
come a desperado. {Strikes hand on tub.) 



22 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 

Prudence Well, don't upset my tub, then. Epliraim, 
if I thought I could depend upon 3^ou, I would — 

Ephraim (eagerly). Yea, thee would — 

Prudence. Ask thee to help me with the tub. 

Epliraim. Na}', thee mocks me. I'll have no 
more to say to thee. {Comes down l.) 

Prudence. That's right, Ephraim. Silence is so 
becoming to a Quaker ! (Sings.) 

Father and I went down to camp, 

Alonor with Siah Baker; 
And there we saw the patriot boj3, 
But not a single Quaker. 

(Enter Ginger while she is singing^ door inflate and 
joins in chorus.) 

Yankee Doodle, &c. (as before). 

Ephraim. Yea, the Friends may well call her a fire- 
brand, for she'll drive me to the battle-field in spite 
of myself. (Exit l.) 

Ginger. Dat's de camp-meeting for me. When you 
gwine down dar again, Miss Prudence? 

Prudence. Here, Ginger, catch hold of the tub. 

Ginger. Yas, indeed. (They take tub from bench ^ 
and set it on stage near l). Hallo, who's dat? 

(Enter Ruth and Elmer, door in flat: he has his 
arm about her ivaist.) 

Ruth. Thee sees I have brought thy brother back 
safe, Prudence. 

Elmer. And we*ve had a delightful ramble. 

Prudence. Yes, \o\\ have ivaisted no time in getting 
acquainted. (Ruth sits on settle.) Come, Ginger, 
take out the bench. 



on, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 23 

Elmer. Hallo, this is Ginger : I've heard of him. 

Prudence. And Ginger has heard of j'ou. — This 
is m}' brother Elmer, Ginger. 

Ginger. By goll}', 3'ou don't mean it ! Massa 
Elmer, 3^011' s jes one ob de patriots. {Boios and 
scrapes.) 

Elmer. Give me 3'our hand, Ginger. 

Ginger. Wh-wh-what ! 3'ou gwilie to shake hands 
wid a dark3'? 

Elmer {shaking hands). Yes, and proud to have 
the chance, Ginger. M3' sister has told me how boldly 
3'OU came to her rescue, when a Tor3' dared to step 
across her path. You're a brave fellow. 

Ginger. Tank 3'ou, massa. {Holds up his hand.) 
Ole hand, 3'ou's been shook by a brave man: dar 
sha'n't no more soap and water wipe out dat are honor, 
chile, neber. B3' goll3', dese Down-Easters be white 
men ; da3''ll be freeing all de darkies one ob dese days. 
{Takes up bench, and goes to door.) Tank 3'ou, Massa 
Elmer. I's a poor old dark3", but I got a heart, and, 
if I could die for 3'ou and Miss Prudence, I'd do it 
freel3^ {Exit door f.) 

Elmer. Now, Prudence, come and sit down : I've 
much to sa3^ to 3^ou. 

Prudence. No : work first, and pleasure afterwards. 
{Takes up pail.) I must go for water. 

Elmer {taking pail) . Not while I am here : where 
shall I find it? 

Prudence. I'll show 3^ou, come. {Exit Prudence 
and Elmer, door in flat.) 

Ruth. I like Friend Elmer. What a pity he's one 



24 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 

of the world's people ! But yet I think I like him 
the better for that. None of the Friends can talk so 
eweetl}- and so bravel3\ {Enter l. Bosivorth.) 

Bosivorth (aside). I have found her alone at last. 
Friend Obed seems to be of a wavering nature. I fear 
I cannot depend much upon his assistance. I'll know 
my fate here at once. {Aside.) Friend Ruth. 

Ruth. Well, Friend Bosworth. 

Bosivorth. I have told th}- father that I love thee. 

Eiith. Indeed ! Thee never told me as much. 

Bosworth. I tell thee now, that I love thee dearl}'. 

Ruth. Has thee seen the 3'oung patriot, Elmer- 
Granger ? 

BoswoHh. Thee does not mean to tell me the brother 
of Prudence is here ? 

Ruth. Yea, he is here. We have held sweet con- 
verse together, and I like him. He is so comeh' and 
brave, I think he would inspire thee with admiration, 
Friend Boswortli, and thee is not a man easih* moved. 

Bosworth. We will speak of him another time. I 
told thee that I loved thee. 

Ruth. I heard thee, and thought how pleasant would 
be those words from the lips of Friend Elmer. 

Bosivorth. Ruth Sterling, would thee insult me? 
Does thee not know that this language indicates a 
marked preference for this young rebel ? 

Ruth, Nay, I did not know it ; but, if thee thinks it 
does, I'm very glad. 

BoswoHh. Ruth Sterling, thee must think of him no 
more. It is thy father's wish that thee shall become 
my wife. Ruth, Ruth, thee knows not how dearly I 



OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 25 

love thee. (Sits beside Jier, and attempts to take her 
hand : she rises indignantly. ) 

Ruth. Be silent, I command thee ; not even my 
father's wish shall compel me to hear such words from 
thy lips.- 

Bosivorth. Be warned in time, Ruth. Thy father's 
life is in my hands. Consent to be my wife, and in 
the coming sti'uggle I will protect him ; refuse, and I 
give him up to the ruthless hands of the advancing foe. 

Muth. Thee speaks falsely, Uriel Bos worth. M}- 
father can owe nothing to thee, and if he did would 
rather die than peril his daughter's happiness. Be- 
gone ! 

Bosivorth. Nay, Ruth (puts his arm about her 
waistband seizes her hand). I'll not be repulsed so 
coolly. 

Ruth {struggling). Release me, I command thee. 

Bosworth. I will be heard. {Enter Elmer, door 
in flat ^10 ith pail ; drops it; seizes Bosworth, cmcZ hurls 
him across stage.) 

Elmer, You have been heard, friend. {Enter Mr^. 
Sterling, r. 1 e. ; Obed and Ephrmm, l.) You see 
you have aroused the whole family-. 

Obed. Daughter Ruth, I heard thy voice raised in 
anger. 

Bosworth. Friend Obed, I am to blame. Carried 
away by the love which thee knows burns within me, 
I urged my suit so warmly as to frighten Ruth. She 
must pardon and forget. 

Ruth. Yea, Friend Bosworth. I will pardon, but 
I cannot forget. 

3 



26 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 

Ohed. Stranger, thee is welcome. 

Buth. He is no stranger, father. This is Elmer 
Granger. 

Ohed. The brother of Prudence ? Thee is heartily 
welcome. {Gives his hand.) 

Elmer. Thanks, Friend Sterling. {Enter Prudence 
door in f.) 

Prudence. Yes, that's my big brother. Come, Eph- 
raini, 3'ou should know him. 

Ephraim. Friend Elmer, I am glad to meet thee. 
(Shakes hands.) 

Elmer. I've heard of you. Prudence often writes. 
I think 3^ou've a warm corner in her heart. 

Prudence {pinching him). You silly goose ! You'll 
spoil every thing. 

Elmer. Then I'll be dumb as an 03'ster. 

(Elmer c. ; Prudence r. c. ; Ruth on settle; Mrs. 
S. sta7ids behind her, loith hand on her shoulder; Obed 
L. c. ; Ephraim next l. ; and Bosworth extreme left.) 

Obed. Thee has seen storm}- times in thy native 
place ; thee has suffered deeply in this wicked rebellion. 

Elmer. Wicked rebellion? You are wrong, friend. 
If ever the torch of war is lighted in a hoi}' cause, 'tis 
when it flames above the altar of libert}'. Remember 
that 'twas only after the iron heel of the oppressor had 
trampled on our hard- won harvest that we rose defiant. 
I have seen the home of my childhood laid in ashes, 
ni}' father shot down by foreign hirelings who had no 
rights to enforce, no homes to protect, our dearest 
rights insulted to feed the vanity of the despot who 
sits on England's throne. He would be a coward in- 



OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 27 

deed, who, with such blighting wrongs to avenge, would 
not dare all to free the land of such a curse. 

Bosiuortli. Young blood is hot, and fiery words but 
cheap. Save thy breath : we are loj^al to Friend George. 

Mrs. S. {coming down). Na}^, speak for thj^self, 
Friend Bosworth. — Friend Elmer, thee is welcome. 
(Gives her hand.) Thee sees they have forgotten 
me : I am Rachel Sterling. 

Elmer {clasping her hand). M}^ dear mother's true 
and steadfast friend. 

Mrs. S. Yea, it was a sore trial to m}' friendship 
when she left us to mate with one of the world's peo- 
ple. 

Elmer. But you were true to her alwa3's. You 
showed your love by giving my sister a home. Poor 
mother, hers was a hard fate. I could not sorrow for my 
father ; for he died bravel}', with musket in hand. But 
mother — curse the fiend that basel}' struck her down! 
They told me that our home was in flames. I left the 
ranks of the little band, who were struggling against 
the foe, and rushed home to protect my mother. As 1 
neared the house I saw her flying from its door, pursued 
by one Richard Cross, a renegade, who had led our 
foes to plunder. Even as I looked he raised the sword 
he bore, and struck her down. I flew at him, seized 
his weapon, and struck at his bared head. He raised 
his hand, and caught the blow, then turned and fled. I 
could not overtake him, and returned to meet a last 
look from my mother's ej^es, as she sunk in death, 
The renegade fled from our town. He bears the mark 
of the sword on his right hand ; and, should we ever 



23 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO ; 

meet, m}^ mother's death shall beterribl}' avenged. 
(BoswoRTH hides his right hand in his bosom.) 

Mrs. S. Na3% thee must not speak of vengeance ; 
let the man of sin depart in peace ; within he bears his 
punishment. Thy mother was a good woman. I am 
glad she wed the man of her choice. 

Elmer. Tlien 3'ou have not the Friends' prejudice 
against marriage outside the sect. 

Mrs. S. I.may have the prejudice ; but I would not 
stand in the way of happiness. 

Elmer. Even were it 3'our own daughter ? 

Mrs. S. Yea, My daughter Ruth shall make her 
choice ; and I shall love him even though he be of the 
world's people. 

Prudence {aside to Elmer) . Hear that, brother. 
Don't lose the opportunity. Ruth may be yours. 

Elmer {aside to Prudence). I'll win the little 
Quaker, in spite of the scowling Friend 3'onder. {Enter 
GiKGER, door in f.) 

Ginger. Here comes old Pretzel, running like de 
debble. Somefin's broke, sure for sartin. 

Prudence. Well, you break for that teakettle. I 
must scald out my tub. 

Ginger {goes to fireplace). I'll fotch him, Miss 
Prudence. 

{Enter Pretzel, door in flat, with his hand to his 
nose, which is bleeding.) 

Pretzel. Murter, tieves ! Mine prains is broke, ant 
my heat all running ava3\ Look at dot, see de bleet 
dot I ish shedding for mine countr3'. 

Obed. What's the trouble, friend Pretzel? 



OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 29 

Pretzel. De Tories come to mine bouse. De}' proke 
mine vindows, dey lets mine peer all runt avay, ant 
dey vill pull der house up to der grount if somepody 
don't come right ava}' prett}^ quick. 

Elmer. The dastard. Another outi-age to rouse the 
slumbering patriotism of your insulted people ! They 
shall find one strong arm to bar the way. 

Pretzel. Dot's right. You're a prave young man. 
Dey vill run vlien dey see 3'ou. Go right avay quick, 
ant I vill vait here till you come pack. (Going l.) 

Ehner, No, 3'ou must lead the wa}'. Come, come : 
we lose time. (Takes his gun.) Now, friends, we 
have an opportunity to show these cowards what a few 
brave men can do. Who will follow? (All stcmd 
silent.) Must I be alone in this good work? 

Bosivorth. We are a peaceable people, we meddle 
not with broils. Thee will find none here to assist 
thee. 

Elmer. Indeed, I expected little from 3'ou. You 
have the air of a coward, one who would force his love 
upon an unwilling woman. .You need not scowl. I 
fear you not. 

Prudence. Oh, I wish I was a man ! Bring me that 
kettle. Ginger. 

Ginger (brings kettle over to tub) . Yas, indeed, and 
den I'm wid 3'ou, Massa Elmer. 

Prudence (pours boiling water into tub. Ginger 
stands Just l. of tub). I'd like to scald somebod}'. 
Might make a little stir. Lord knows there's some 
needed here. 

Elmer. Ginger, 3'ou're a brave fellow : eome, we've 

3* 



30 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 

no time to lose. — Hear me, friends. I know not the 
number of the foe. For m3'self I care not, but I would 
have our onset a success. Remember, if this outrage 
is not quickly avenged, j'ou may be the next victims. 
For your own sakes be wise. Come (jxmse). Shame ! 
In a neighbor's cause will not one join with us to pre- 
vent outrage ? 

Obed. Na}' : our faith forbids violence. Not one. 

Ephraim {stepping to c). Yea, there is one : I will 
join thee. 

Ohed^ Bosworth, Ruth. Thee ! 

Ephraim. Yea, I. There's my hand. Friend Elmer. 
Tell me what to do, where to strike, and thee will find 
the Quaker's arm is strong for the right. {Prudence 
goes off, L.) 

Obed. Son Ephraim ! Is thee gone mad ? thee will 
disgrace the coat of drab. 

Ephraim {taking off his coat, and throwing it down) . 
Na}^, I'll leave it behind. 'Twill give me more free- 
dom. I will smite the enem}' with my fists. If I only 
had a gun now ! {Enter Prudence, l.) 

Prudence. Here it is, Ephraim. I brought it from 
Concord, that I might give it to the brave man who 
would fight forme. O Ephraim! {TJiroivs her arms 
about his neck, and kisses him.) 

Ephraim. Veril}', I wax strong for the fight. On,' 
Friend Elmer, on ! 

Ginger. Golly, dar's fight in de j'oung Quaker. 

Elmer {gives his hand to Ephraim) . Thanks, you 
are a good true man, a friend indeed. 

Bosworth, You'll repent this, young man. 



OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. ^1 ; 

Elmer. Silence. Dare you stand between a man 
and his country's cause? Young blood is hot, and fiery 
words are cheap, you say. My deeds shall speak for 
me. — Come, Pretzel. 

Pretzel. Yaw. I vill pe mit 3'ou pretty quick. 
(Passes Ginger, and stejys on his toe.) 

Ginger. Ow, dat ar corn again ! {Pushing Pretzel, 
he sits down in tub of water.) 

Pretzel (ivith hands on sides of tub raises himself) . 
Py gracious, someting's purning ! 

Ginger. Yah, yah, 3' ah ! dat Dutchman always in 
hot water. 

Tableau. — Elmer and Ephraim at door ivith hands 
clasped; Prudence l. back; Tretzel in tub ; Ginger 
next L., laughing; Bosworth extreme l.; Ruth stands 
by fireplace ivith hands clasped^ looking intently at El- 
mer ; Mrs. Sterling behind settle watching Ephraim ; 
Obed r. Curtain. 

From the time of PretzeVs entrance^ let the speech be 
quick, the action rapid. 



y 



32 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO ; 



Act II. Evening. Scene same as in Act I. Cur- 
tain at window draion. Bright fire in fireplace. 
Candle burning on table. Prudence seated at table 
sewing, or spinning if there is a ivheel on stage, 
Mrs. Sterling on settle knitting. Obed seated in a 
chair ^ tvhich is set back against scene r., near fireplace 
next 1 E. ; his head leaning back, with a silk hand- 
kerchief thrown over it; his hands folded across his 
breast. 

Prudence. After a storm comes a calm. The ven- 
erable Obed and his spouse have been having what 
would be called among the world's people, a spat. I 
never heard two people go on so; and now he's evi- 
dently disciplining himself for rebelling against the 
spirit of peace. (Obed groans.) No, he's w^aking up 
again. 

Obed {snatching off handkerchief). I tell thee, 
Rachel, thee is a foolish woman. Thee has listened 
to the mutterings of the rebellious ; thee has given 
thy heart ; yea, encouraged thy daughter to sympathize 
with the discontented, and now our own children turn 
against us. 

Mrs. S. Speak for thyself, Obed. Our children 
have not turned against me, and I blame not myself that 
they have a warm interest in the success of tlie right. 

Obed (groans) . Yea, veril^^, peace hath fled from our 
dwelling. This firebrand cometh among us with his 
warlike tongue, and our daughter warmeth towards 



OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 3.3 

him ; and our son forsaketh the path of peace, and goeth 
forth to slay. It shall not be. The girl shall be locked 
in her chamber, and the boy — 

Mrs. S. Nay. Be not a fool, Obed. Thee might 
as well attempt to stop the whirlwind as to quench the 
fire of patriotism when 'tis kindled in a man's breast, 
or to smother love when once it' hath found a resting- 
place in a maiden's heart. 

Prudence {aside). That's what I call sound doc- 
trine. 

Ohed. Rachel, thee is mad. Knows thee not that 
the fruitage of love is marriage, and Friends cannot 
marry out of their own sect ? 

Mrs. S. Thee knows 'tis a clause in our creed to 
which I could never give approval. Does thee re- 
member Hester Page, who loved the father of Elmer 
and Prudence? She was beloved by all. She married, 
and the Friends turned from her. I felt they were un- 
just to her ; that she deserved better treatment after 
all her devotion to the good works among us. She fell 
a mart3'r in the cause of liberty ; and if I could atone 
for our neglect of her by the gift of our daughter to her 
son, — her noble son, — I would consent, though all the 
Friends with uplifted hands and looks of horror should 
cry, "Nay." 

Prudence (aside). Glory hallelujah ! 

Obed. Nay, be silent : thee'll get a smart talking- 
to at the next Yearly Meeting. 

3frs. S. Yea ; but I have a tongue, and can talk 
back, Obed. 

Obed. Yea, and drown the elders with thy clamor. 



g4 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 

Ginger (outside). Bress de Lord, I'se home ! Hallo 
Massa Eph., is 3'er comin' ? {Enter door in f.) 

Prudence (rising). Vfhy, Ginger, where have yon 
been all da}^? Where's Ephraim and Elmer? Is any- 
bod}' hurt? Why don't 3'ou speak? 

Ginger. Now, jes you hole on, Miss Prudence. 
Does yer tink I's gwine to answer forty-leben ques- 
tions widout a breaf ? Here I is : dat's nuff for me. 

Mrs. S. Are the lads safe. Ginger? 

Ginger. Wa'l, I dunno, misses. I'm safe, an' 
dat's de most consequential. I'll tolc you all about 
it. We went down dar to old Pretzel's dis mornin', 
Massa Elmer, Massa Eph., an' — an' Ginger, dat's 
me. De old Dutchman, he's a sneak ; he jis watch his 
chance, and when we wasn't looking he clared, he did. 
But we went down dar, got mos' to de liouse, and we 
hear de wus yellin' dat eber was. Den Massa Ehner, 
lie says, says he, Hole on, let's squirmish a bit: so 
eve lay down onto de grass and squirmishcd up to de 
fence ; den worked on up to de woodpile, and made 
dat a; sort of a-a-a bull-whack. Den Massa Elmer 
and Massa Eph. dey loaded dermuskats, an' I loaded 
a big stick off de woodpile. Dat ar Massa Eph., by 
golly, I nebber seed a man so nerbous in my life ; he 
kept a pourin* in de powder an' de shot, and ram- 
ing down, till he must have had six bustin' charges in 
dat ar muskat. Den we looked round de corner ob de 
woodpile, an' dar was six Tory fellows a-sittin' on de 
grass, wid a keg of old Pretzel's beer an' -an' sour 
kruet, an'-an'-snasengers, jes a stufRn' an' drinkin'. 
Den Massa Elmer sings out, Blaze away, boys, an' -an' 



OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 35 

let fly. Den Massa Eph., he sings out, an' he let fly. 
Dar was an explosion like a cannon : de old muskat 
kicked ; an' Massa Eph., he jes layed on his back an' 
hollered. But dem are Tories dey jes scooted down 
the road, wid Massa Elmer an' Massa Eph. loading 
up and blazin' away. Dey dropped four on 'em. We 
kep' up de chase three hours ;. den we lost sight of 
Massa Elmer an' de Tories, and turned back. 

Prudence. Did 3'ou forsake Elmer? 

Ginger. No, chile, he forsake us. Couldn't keep 
up wid him no how. 

Mrs.S. But Where's Ephraim? 

Eph. (Enter door in f.) Yea, verily, he is here. 

(His coat and vest are gone, one of Jiis stockings is 
hanging over his shoe, the sleeve of his shirt is ripped ^ip, 
elboiv scraped, a red handkerchief round his head, one 
eye blacked, and face begrimed with powder and dust, 
gun in hand.) 

Obed (groans). Ephraim, my son, does thee return 
to us in such a pitiful plight? 

. Ephraim. Yea, I have smelt the smoke of battle, 
I have smitten the despoiler with snipe-shot. I have felt 
the butt of my musket in near proximity to my eye. I 
have sat in the dust, and, in the language of the world's 
people, have had a jolly good fight. 

Ginger. Dat's so ; and won de victory. 

Obed (groans). Ephraim, my son, my heart is 
sore troubled. Thee was reared a child of peace ; 
thee is now a man of war and sin ; thee has brought 
shame to our house. 

Ex>hraim (boldly) . Nay, father, I have brought no 



35 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 

shame. What right have I, with all the blood and sinews 
of a man, to sit idly down and talk of peace, when my 
countrymen east, west, north, and south, are roused to 
arms, at the encroaching of tyranny upon their rights 
and liberties ? ' I have been reared a child of peace, 
and the inward spirit now teaches me there shall be 
no peace until we, with brave, stout hearts and strong 
right arms, have taught the intruders we have the power 
to maintain it. {Comes down l.) 

Prudence {dapping her hands) , Hurray! Them's 
my sentiments. 

Mrs. S. Prudence, thee forgets thyself .— Eph- 
raim, my son, thy person needs proper care. 

Ephraim. Yea; and I am as hungry as the bear 
that roameth the wilderness. {Enter Bosworth, door 

in fiat.) 

Bosworth. Ah, Ephraim has returned. What 
transformations here, chitd of Belial? 

Ephraim {stepping forward quickly). Nay, Friend 
Bosw^orth, thee had bettei^ keep a civil tongue in thy 
head. The fires of war are yet hot within me, and per- 
adventure thy skull -may open wider than thy mouth. 

Bosworth. Dares thee threaten me? 

Ephraim. Yea, I dare, for thee is a smooth, sneak- 
ing traitor, Friend Bosworth. {Advancing on him.) 

Obed {stepping before Bosworth). Stand back, 
Ephraim : in my house a guest is sacred. 

Prudence. Land sakes ! I never saw a man so full 

of fight. 

Ginger. YoiES. I guess dar ain't much stuffin' in his 

buzzum. 



OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 37 

Ohed. Go to th}- room, Ephraim. When thee is 
thyself, I'll speak with thee. 

Mrs. S. Come, Ephraim, thy mother will attend 
thee. {Pats Jtim upon the shoulder.) Thee is fiery, 
but 'tis in a good cause, and thy mother is proud of 
thee. (Exeunt Mrs. 8. and Ephraim, l.) 

Ginger." Miss Prudence, ctin't j^ou find me som- 
fin to gnaw? ain't tasted noffin since breakfus. 

Prudence (coming to r. u. e.) Yes, come with me: 
I can find a cold fowl. (Exit.) 

Ginger (following). Dat's good, jes let me get 
foul of it, and gib it a burial-place. 

Bosworth. Friend Obed, I grieve with thee, that 
the child of thy faith should have gone the way of 
wickedness. 

Ohed. Thee needn't trouble th3'self. Friend Bos- 
worth. Thee has sins enougli of thine own to grieve 
for. The lad's spirit has been aroused, he hath found 
he has a strong arm, that his country needs him. If 
he must fight, I hope his aim will be sure, and the 
enemy bite the dust before him. 

Bosivorth. Obed Sterling, is thee turning traitor 
too? Beware! thee is a marked man. Give these 
rebels sympath}- even in thj' thoughts, and nought can 
save tliee. 

Obed. Hark thee. Friend Bosworth : thee has dared 
to threaten me before. I have borne with thee because 
thee has been our friend (fiercely) ; but, if thee dare 
use such words to me again, I will pitch thee out of 
yonder window. 

Bosworth (aside). The old man is stubborn. I 
4 



38 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 

must dissemble. (Aloud.) Nay, nay ! Friend Obed. 
I meant not to threaten ; I would but point out to thee 
th}' danger. Thee shall have all protection from me. 
Veril}' it would be base in me to persecute thee, when 
I love thy daughter so dearl3'. 

Obed. Thee has spoken with my daughter? 

Bosivorth. Yea, I did urge my suit, but .was inter- 
rupted by that wicked wretch, Elmer Granger. Beware 
of him. He looks upon the girl with favor. There is 
danger in his presence. Secure thy daughter's safety 
bj^ giving me th}' promise she shall be mine. 

Obed. I told thee I would sleep upon it. As 
thee s.eems in haste, we will settle the matter now. 
Here comes my daughter. (Enter Ruth 1 e. r.) 
Ruth, child, come hither. Thee sees Friend Bosworth, 
a man of strong build, and not uncomely, of good 
report among the Friends ; not burdened with wealth, 
but active in its pursuit. He asks me to give him 
thy hand, would have thee be his wife. 

Bosiuorth. Yea, Ruth, I love thee with my whole 
soul. 

Obed. Speak, daughter : th}' fate is in thy own 
hands. Neither thy father nor thy mother will prevent 
thy free choice. 

Buth. Father, thee has ever been kind to me. 
Never an unkind word has thee given me. From my 
earliest days thee has been ever watchful over my 
thoughts and wishes. No blessing thee could be- 
stow has ever been withheld. I honor thee above all 
men. Thy judgment is so wise that thy word is law 
to me. I know Friend Bosworth professes love for me ; 



OK, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 39 

and yet my heart has felt no answering thrill to his 
protestations. I shrink from his glance, and tremble 
in his presence. Na3^ I will be frank. Another, with no 
words, with no entreaties, has touched a chord within my 
being that vibrates with ecstasy- at his approach. He 
is of the world's people, 3'et brave, strong, and true. 
Yet I am but a child, and maj' not know mj' own heart. 
My fate I leave in thy hands. Speak, father : what 
thee says shall guide me. 

Obed (takes Ruth's hand, kisses her on the forehead, 
then turns to Bosworth). Friend Bos worth, thee has 
thy answer. {Comes to l.) 

Bosworth (c. ) . Na}-, this will not serve. I must have 
a plain answer, j'es, or no. 

Ohed {sternly). No. A thousand times no. My 
daughter is not for such as thou. 

Bosworth, Nay, bear with me, Friend Obed. 

Ohed. Na}', th}^ friend no more, Bosworth. I have 
borne with thee until Patience is indignant at me. 
B}' thy own confession, thee is a spy ; but that t 
feared my daughter loved thee, I would have driven 
thee from m}' house, when thee first spoke. Now, I 
tell thee, quit mj- house. 

Bosworth. Has thee forgotten I can destroy thee? 

Ohed. Do tli}' worst. No harm can come to him 
who obeys the voice of conscience. 

Bosworth. Then, dread my vengeance. You know 
me not. You thought I was a cowardly Quaker. I 
have deceived j^ou and jowv tribe. The opinions of 3'our 
sect are known to me ; ay, and all their wealth, and 
where 'tis to be found. One mqtive only has kept me in 



40 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 

your midst, — love for jour daughter. She scorns me. 
Now comes my turn. I will seize, burn, destroy, till 
you shall tremble at my name (goes to door) . You have 
need of all 3'our caution. The hour of vengeance is 
approaching. Ruth Sterling, 3'ou tremble in m}- pres- 
ence : ha, ha, ha ! Present or absent, 3'ou shall now 
tremble at the thought of me, for I swear 3'ou shall 
be mine. {Exit door in flat.) 

Ruth {running to Obed : they meet in c. of stage). 

father, father ! he terrifies me. 

Ohed. Nay, fearnot, cliild. He is a bad, wicked 
man ; but he cannot harm thee. Go to th}- rest. 
{Leads her to 1 e. r.) 

Ruth. But, father, thee is grieved that I love Elmer 
Granger. 

Ohed {groans). He is of the world's people. The 
Friends will groan in spirit ; but thee has said, no bless- 
ing I could bestow upon thee was ever withheld. Go to 
thy rest in peace. {Exit Ruth 1 e. r.) 

Obed {groans). Veril}', Friend Obed, thee is run- 
ning up a long account for settlement at Yearl}' Meet- 
ing. (Enter Ephratm from door l. ; costume same 
as in Act /., spruce and clean, gun in his hand.) 
Kphraim, my son, thee is not going out on the war- 
path again? 

E2?h. Yea, father. Friend Elmer maj' need my help. 

1 go to seek him. 

Ohed. Give me thy hand, Ephraim. {They shake 
hands.) It grieves me that thee is become a man of 
war ; but, if thee must go, remember the maxim of the 
world's peox^le, " Put thy trust in Providence, and keep 



OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 4"^ 

thy powder diy." And do not forget the words of that 
brave but sinful Friend, Israel Putnam, "Wait until 
thee sees the white of their cj-es." Peace go with thee, 
my son ! 

Eph {patting gun). Yea, I have it in my hands. 

Obecl (groans). Yea, Rachel is right; but the 
women must not have it all their own way. {Exit 

L. 1 E.) 

Ex>h. Now I will seek Friend Elmer. (Goes up. 
Enter Prudence, door r. u. e.) 

Prudence. Ephraim, you are not going out again 
to-night ? 

Eph. Verily, Friend Prudence, it is not right that I 
should leave thy brother in the midst of wolves. I 
go to seek him. 

Prudence. O Ephraim ! you a perfect fire-eater, 
— a man that I am proud to call my lover. 

Eph. Nay, thee is mistaken. I am no woman's 

lover. 

Prudence. What? Didn't you make love to me 
over the washing this morning ? 

Eph. Yea, I did speak some tender words of non- 
sense in thine ear. 

Prudence. In my ear ! Why, you kissed me ! 

Eph. Yea, I did imprint the seal of friendship upon 
thy lips. But I have another mistress now. 

Prudence. You don't mean to say j'ou've fallen in 
love with another woman ! Wlio is she ? 

Eph. My country. Thee did mock my profession 
of peace. Thee did call me a coward. And I girded 
on my armor, and went forth to battle. 

4* 



42 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO ; 

Prudence. Yes, I aroused the manhood within you, 
and made you a patriot. 

Eph. Yea, and so filled my heart with martial fire,* 
it hath not room for any tenderer flame. If thee loves 
me, thee is to be pitied, for thee has given me to 
another and a sterner mistress. The war-drum rings 
in my ears, the flash of musketrj- is before my ej'es. I 
I hunger for the fight, and have no appetite for love. 
Fare thee well. Friend Prudence. If thee has lost a 
lover, thy country has found a defender. (Sings.) 

Yankee Doodle, keep it up, 

Yankee Doodle daudee; 
Mind the music and tlie steps, 

And leave the girls behind thee. 

l^Exit door in F. 
Prudence. Well, I never ! Mittened by a Quaker ! 
I shall never hold up my head again. I've roused the 
lion, and lost the lamb ; the Quaker wasn't worth hav- 
ing, but the soldier's quite another article. Oh dear, 
dear, dear ! this comes of meddling with politics. 
Maj'be he'll get shot, and I'll have his death to answer 
for. Ah Prudence ! I'm afraid 3'ou care more for this 
fellow than j'ou dream of. {Takes up candle.) I'm 
not going to lose any sleep for him. {Crosses to r. 1 e.) 
He hungers for the fight. Ah Ephraim ! courage may 
serve jou in the battle, but Prudence is a virtue not to 
be despised. (Exit 1 e.) 

{Enter Ginger r. u. e., gnawing a bone.) 
Ginger. Dah, dat ar fowl's gone to roost. I've 
cleaned the cubburd of all de eatables and drinkables. 



OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 43 

Dunno what de^^'ll do for breakfas in de mornin, but de 
clams ob hunger must be dissatisfied if it breeds a fam- 
ine. Eberybody gone to bed, den I'll go out to de 
barn and snooze m3'self. Hallo, what dat? (Listens 
at door.) Sh ! dar's sumbod}' prowlin 'round de house. 
Whispers. Halt, Ginger, das mischif in de wind. 
Keep dark, honey. (Lies doivn behind settle. Door is 
pushed open sloioly^ and Bosworth looks in, then creeps 
cautiously doivn, listens at door l., then goes hack to 
door in flat, and beckons.) 

(Enter Burke and Blucher, icith guns.* All three 
come down stage, Burke r., Blucher l., Bosworth 
c.) 

Burke. Look here. Broadbrim. What kind of a job 
is this ? 

Blucher. Yes. Plunder, or murder? Speak out. 

Bosivorth. Silence ! (Creeps to door, l., and turns 
key.) There, I've locked in the only one from whom 
we might expect interruption, — 3'oung Sterling. He's 
had a fight to-day, so he'll sleep soundly now. 

Blucher. We can easil}' give him a sleeping-powder, 
if 3'ou sa}^ the words (slapping gun) . 

Blucher. With a pill added that will be sure to 
quiet him. 

Bosworth. Hist ! What brings you here to-night? 

Burke. It's all along of that fight at the Dutch- 
man's this morning. We were surprised by an infer- 
nal rebel, who drove us be3'ond Carter's, until his 
comrades deserted ; and then we turned and took him. 
I wanted to swing him to a tree, but the cap'n said 
no ; he was a brave fellow, and we must take him 



44 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 

down to camp, and honor him with a shooting. So we 
took him down there, tied him to a tree, and went to 
supper. When supper was gone, we found thg rebel 
gone also. So Blue and I were detailed to retake him. 
We tracked him to within a mile of this house, and then 
lost him. 

Bosioorth. But 3^ou are on his track now. He and the 
owner of this place, Obed Sterling, are leagued togeth- 
er. 

Blucher. Sterling ! Why, Sterling's a Quaker. 

Bosioorth. He's a traitor. You know me? 

Burke. Know you, Broadbrim, the spy? Ay, we 
have orders from Cap'n Trot to obey 3'ou when the 
service requires. 

Bosioorth. A}', I have need of 3^ou now. M}^ orders 
from headquarters are to shoot this Sterling ; to seize 
his daughter, and take her to Carter's. 

Blucher. Oh, we don't want to meddle with girls ! 

Bosioorth. The service demands obedience. 

Blucher. All right, Broadbrim. 

Bosioorth. Then j-ou look out for the old man, and 
I'll take care of the girl. First to arouse Sterling. 
You, Blucher, go beneath the window of his room, at 
that corner {points to l. 1 e.), throw up a stone ; he'll 
open the window ; tell him Friend Garner is sick and 
needs him ; that will bring him out. When he appears 
make short work of him, for he is a traitor to the king, 
and well deserves what he must receive, — instant 
death. 

Burke. Never fear. I seldom lose a shot. 

Blucher. Nor I. Old Deadeye is sure death. 



OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 45 

BoswoTth. Be cautious. Give me ten minutes to 
secure the girl, then follow my instructions. 

Bhicher, All right. But who pays the funeral ex- 
penses ? 

Boswortli (handing him a purse) . The King of Eng- 
land. 

Blucher (throws up purse) . Long live the king ! 

Bosioorth. Now away. Hush! who's that? (En- 
ter Pretzel, door in fiat. Blucher and Burke crouch 
on the floor r. and l.) 

Pretzel. Ha, ha ! Friend Sterling ; wash you op ? 
Dot is goot. I ish as try as never vas. Dose rascals 
trink op all mine peer, and I coome to get some of your 
cider. Hy ! vhat is dot? Friend Sterling, 3'ou is not 
Friend Sterling after all. 

Ginger (peeps over settle) . By golly, dat ar Dutch- 
man in anoder scrape. 

Bosworth. What do you want here ? 

Pretzel (shaking) . Oh, notings if you bleese. I just 
got run ober from mine house. Didn't know you had 
gompany. (Burke and Blucher rise^ and pohit guns 
at him.) Mine gracious gootness, ton't 3'ou do dot 
(falls on his knees). I'm only a poor Tuchman vidout 
fader or moder. 

Bosworth. Get up, fool. 

Pretzel. Yaw, right avay puty quick (rises). Ef 
you bleese, don't explode your guns mit me. I'm ony 
a poor — 

Bosworth. Shut up ! 

Pretzel. Yaw. I like to say notings mit my mout 
shut. 



46 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 

Bosworth. Take him out and lock him in the barn. 

Pretzel. In ter parn mit ter pigs ? I don't like dot 
puty veil. 

Bosivorth. Do as I bid you ; if he opens his mouth, 
throw him in the horse-pond. 

Pretzel. Dot's vhat you call horspuddality. I don't 
like dot. 

Blucher. Come, start, Dutch}'. 

Pretzel. Yaw, don't pint dem tings ; de}' might go 
off. 

Burke. After 3'ou. (Pretzel backs up to door. 
Burke and Blucher follow with their guns pointed at 
him.) 

Pretzel. Dis is too pad. You don't got some piz- 
ness here, an' I don't got mine cider. {They threaten 
him ivith guns; he exits in a hurry ^ followed by Blucher 
and Burke.) 

Bosworth. Now, then, my pretty Ruth, if j^ou 
won't be mine by fair means, 3'ou shall by foul. {Creeps 
slowly ^0 R. 1. E.) ' 

Ginger {rises) . Der's gwine to be trouble in dis 3'er 
family ; it's about time I looked up Massa Eph. {Exit 
door in f.) 

Bosworth {turning quickly) . What's that? I thought 
I heard a step. It must have been Blucher {turns to 
R.). Ah, the pretty Ruth comes this way. 'Twill 
save the trouble of calling her. {Creeps behind settle^ 
and hides. Enter Ruth with a lighted candle: she 
places it on the table and goes to ivindow, sj^eaking as 
she enters.) 

Muth. I cannot go to rest while Friend Elmer is in 



OR, OUR BOYS OF 177G. 47 

danger. If he is safe, he would have returned to see 
his sister. {Loohs ,out of windoio.) Nay, 'tis very 
dark. What can have become of him ! He is brave 
and noble, and his must be a good heart, it moves so 
quickly at the call of distress. I doubt if he thinks 
of me. Why should he? Ah, that's a wise question, 
too profound from my head, so I'll leave the heart to 
answer it. And that sa^^s 3'ea, as there's truth in 
his bright ej^es, he does. I wish he'd come. His sister 
must be so anxious about him, and she sleeps soundly. 
I looked in upon her : she had thrown herself dressed 
upon the bed and slept. I could not do that, and yet 
I am so anxious ! (Bosworth rises.) Ah, who's that? 
{Gomes down l.) 

Bosworth {coming down r.) One not unknown to 
you. 

Ruth. Thee here again ! 

Bosivorth. Ay, my pretty Ruth. I could not leave 
the Quaker fold and go out among the world's people 
alone, and so I have returned for thee to bear me 
company. 

Buth. Thee does but jest, Uriel Bosworth, and 
thy humor is so grim I like it not. 

Bosworth. No, it makes you tremble, pretty Ruth. 
Come, you must go with me. I told you you were 
very dear to me. I can't live without 3'ou. You 
have kindled. a fierce passion in my breast, — so fierce 
that, were a thousand in m}^ path, I'd slay them all 
before I'd lose you. 

Buth. Thee has no right to enter here. Thee is 
a base, bad man, sneaking like a thief, when darkness 



48 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; 

covers the earth, into the house of the man thee dares 
not face in open daylight. 

Bosworth. I dare face thee, Ruth — 

Huth. Ay, with a bold front but a coward heart. 
Thee is a traitor to our faith, a traitor to the cause of 
liberty, and, still greater shame, a traitor to the name 
of manhood. Get thee hence ! 

Bosivorth. Ho, ho ! bravely spoken, Ruth. You 
are a girl of spirit. You are a prize worth winning. 
But you forget you are alone and unprotected. Your 
brother is securely bound, j'our father doomed if he 
moves from his chamber. I come not alone. 

Ruth. Thee is a brave man, Uriel Bosworth. 
Thy tyrant master must be proud of his followers who 
war upon women. 

Bosworth. Ruth Sterling, I swear — 

Ruth. Silence ! Insult not my father's roof with 
an oath. Insult not his daughter with the profanation 
of that holy virtue which exists alone in honest hearts. 
Begone ! 

Bosworth. Not without you, Ruth. You must go 
with me. Do not compel me to use force. You are 
unprotected. 

Ruth, Stand back, traitor. My protection is there 
(points up)-, though dangers surround me. He will 
securely guard and guide. Stand back, and let me 
pass. (Goes towards r.) 

Bosworth (seizing her wrist) . Nay, na}^, my pretty 
Quaker. There is no escape. You must come with 
me. 

Ruth. Uriel Bosworth, release me. (Flinging off 
his hand, and going l.) 



OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776, '49 

Bosworth (comes r.) You cannot pass to your cham- 
ber. Hereafter the. path of life we travel together. 
Come. 

Buth. Never, Thee has my father in thy power. 
I'll trust my fate to the darkness of the night. {Buns 
up to door in flat.) 

Bosworth {seizing her in c. of stage). No, no, Ruth ; 
trust to the light of my love. 

Ruth {struggling to free herself). No, no! Rather 
death. Father! brother? Elmer, Elmer! {Enter 
Eljier door in r.) 

Elmer. Here at thy call, Ruth {strikes Bosworth 
a hloio in his breast loith his fist. He staggers hack and 
falls R. Ruth, ivith a cry., thrones herself upon Elmer's 
breast) . Lie there, dog ! — Nay, na3', do not tremble, 
Ruth : there is no danger. 

Bosivorth {springing to his feet). You lie, j^ou curs- 
ed rebel ! The house is surrounded by my friends. 
There is danger to you. Your fate is sealed. Release 
that girl ! 

Elmer {quietly) . . Certainly, if she desires it. 

Buth {clinging to him) . Nay, nay, Friend Elmer. 

Elmer {with his arms about her) . You see she is 
contented here. {Cooly.) And I rather like it, Friend 
Bosworth. 

Boswoiih. I'll tear her from thee. {Bushing at him. 
Elmer quietly infolds her with his left arm., and seizes 
the right wrist 0/ Bosworth.) 

Elmer {fiercely). Dare to profane her with thy 
dastard hand, and I'll tear — {starting, and glancing at 
hand). Ah ! what is this? {Steps in front of Ruth, 
5 



50 ONE HUNDKED YEARS AGO; 

still grasping Bosworth's wrist.) A blood-red scar 
across the hand (looks inquiringly at Bosworth's face) . 
Yes, 3'es, despite the shaven face, the Quaker garb, I 
know thee now, Richard Cross, my mother's murderer. 
(Flings Bosworth back to r.) 

Bosworth. 'Tis false ; we never met until this day. 

Elmer. But once : the day you outraged mankind 
by a deed so coldly cruel that fiends would blush to 
own it. For a year I have sought you, Richard Cross, 
in town and country-, midst m}' countr^^'s foes ; a)', 
turned the dead upon the field of battle that I might 
find that bloodj' mark upon a lifeless hand and know 
my mother's murder was avenged. At last we meet. 
Heaven has reserved thee for a son's avenging hand. 
Richard Cross, but one of us must quit this place alive. 
{^Approaches him.) 

Bosworth (aloud) . Stand back ! my friends are at 
my call. Hallo, Burke ! 

Elmer (seizing him by the throat) . Too late ! too 
late ! Dog, 3'ou must die. 

Bosworth. Take ofF^'Our hand ! (Struggle.) 

Ji^lth(L.). Elmer, forbear. (Elmer ajirf Bosworth, 
who have been struggling^ pause loith their hands on each 
other.) Respect m^' father's roof. This is a home of 
peace, let no unhallowed deed pollute its fair fame. 
Th}' mother is an angel now ; and vengeance, by the 
will of heaven, wields its own power in the guilt}' 
breast, to punish and destroy. 

Elmer. You are right, Ruth. This house shall be 
respected. (Flings Bosworth back r.) Richard 
Cross, the girl 3'ou have insulted saves \om now; but 
beware ! your fate is sealed whene'er we meet again. 



OR, OUR BOYS OF 177(5. 51 

Bosicorth. And 3'ours is already sealed. (Takes a 
knife from his hosom^ and rushes at Elmer, c. Elmer 
steps R., puts up his left arifa^ and receives the blow.) 

Elmer {seizing his own left arm with his right) . Ah !. 
{Staggers to r.) 

Bosivorth {running up to door l.) Curse the luck! 
Yet, though my hand has failed, you are doomed. 
Fool, 3'ou know me not ; I did strike down your mother, 
and I glory in the deed. You have stepped between 
me and the woman there ; but she is mine, and you 
this night shall keep .your mother company. {Exit 
door in flat.) • 

Ruth {running to Elmer). Thee is sorely hurt, 
dear Elmer. 

Elmer. Nay, 'tis but a scratch. {Report of tivo 
guns in quick succession outside.) Ah, what's that? 

Bosworth {outside) . Oh ! Fools, you have slain your 
leader. 

Elmer. Even so, the wretch has fallen into his own 
trap. You were right, Ruth : vengeance alone belong- 
eth to Him. {Enter door in flat, Ephraim with gun. 
He stands it beside windoto.) 

Ephraim. Yea, verily, Friend Bosworth lieth in the 
road, with two bullets in his body ; and, in the lan- 
guage of the world's people, he is as dead as a door- 
nail. {Enter r., Prudence. She crosses to l.) 

Prudence. What on earth is all this racket about? 
{Enter Obed, j.., folloiced by Mrs. S. ; he in his shirt- 
sleeves; she with a short nightdress over dark petticoat, 
nightcap on her head.) 

Obed. Verily, the foe is upon us. 



52 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO ; 

Mrs. S. Children, what does this mean? 

Ehner. Simply, Friend Obed, that the wolf in 
sheep's clothing, known to you as Uriel Bosworth, has 
invaded your home with the design of carrying off your 
daughter. 

Ruth, Yea, ahd the brave Friend Elmer hath de- 
fended thy daughter with an arm of power and a heart 
of steel. 

Ohed. Verily, we owe thanks to our brave defender, 
and our daughter will prize him as a dear friend. 

Elmer. May I not hope to find a warmer place 
in your affections, Ruth? 

Ruth. Yea, thee is so brave and ix)werful that no 
place thou wishest can be too strong for thee. 

Ohed. Yea, veril}-, this sounds ver}' much like love 
{groans) . What will the Friends say ? 

M7'S. S. Never thee trouble thyself about the 
Friends, Obed. The young people will settle their 
affairs without their aid. 

Ephraim (l.). Yea, it is not good for man to be 
alone, and my heart warmeth to one of the fair sex 
among the world's people. 

Obed {c). Thou, Ephraim? Profanation upon pro- 
fanation . ( Groa ns . ) 

Ephraim. Yea, I haA^e been taught the rules of war 
by her, and with her I would walk the flowery paths of 
peace. Her name is Prudence, and her features are 
comety. 

Prudence. Well, I never ! And you sacked me an 
hour ago. 

Ephraim. Yea, and in sackcloth and ashes have I 
repented. 



OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 53 

Ohed. Verily, this is too much. "VVe shall all be 
disowned. {Groans.) We would give our lamb to the 
sacrifice, and now — 

Mrs. S. Verily, Obed, we might as well be hung for 
a sheep as a lamb. 

Ohed. Yea, verily. (Groans.) 

{Distant jife and drum heard i distant report of mus- 
ketry., loitli cheers and ringing of bells.) 

Ginger (outside) . Hooray ! hooray ! (rims in door 
in flat), D'3-e hear dat? Dey's gone and done it. 
Yas indeed.. Down dar to Filledel. Dey's 'dopted de 
declamation of jurisprudence ; an' — ' an — de country 
am free. Yas it am. By goll}', I's gwine to make one 
explosion. (Huns to ivindotv., throtvs it up, takes gun, 
points it out, andflres; gun kicks him over onto floor.) 
We'se free ! we'se free ! 

Pretzel (outside). Oh, mine gracious, mine het pes 
plown into der mittle of der week pefore next. (En- 
ters door in flat holding on to his head.) 

Ginger. Golly, dat ar Tuchman's for ebber and ebber 
layin' round loose. 

Pretzel (comes doivn) . Mine het is full of pullets, 
unt mine prains is full of mine poots. 

Ginger. Yah, yah ! dat ain't nuffin, Massa Pretzel ; 
dat's only a salute (goes doion extreme l.). 

Pretzel (goes doiun r.). Salute? Dot's vat you call 
him. He purn my eyeprows off mit his nonsense. Dot 
is no goot. 

Ginger. Burn your ej^ebrows off; yah, 3'ah ! Yas, 
so you can see de glorious orb of liberty breaking — 

Pretzel. Yaw, let him preak ; he don't owe me 
sometings pretty much. 6* 



54 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO. 

Elmer {takes Ruth to c). Yes, the day of liberty 
is breaking. The title-deed to a land of freedom has 
this day been taken by patriots whose dauntless valor 
shall rouse a j^eople to battle against the invaders of 
our soil, until paeans of victory shall ring from shore 
to shore, and peace, with all its joys, nestle contented 
in the protecting arms of a free and powerful nation. 

c. 



Elm 


ER. RCTH. 


R. Obed. 


Ephraim, l. 


Mrs. S. 


Prudence. 


Pretzel. 


Ginger. 



(Redjire beJiind flat for bonfire; hells ringing, guns 
firing y people shouting. Curtain.) 



"Books that our Teachers ought to have on hand to SFICS UF Tith iiow and 
then," — St. Louis Journal of Education. 



O-EO. 3^^. b-a.e:ei?.'s 







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Serious, Humorous, Pathetic, Patriotic, and Dramatic. FRESH 

and ATTRACTIVE PIECES for SCHOOL SPEAKERS 

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In the words of the Gospel Banner, — 

* From grave to gay, from lively to severe,^ 

In poetry and prose a judicious mixture here ; 

Beside outlandi'sh dialects, full of words odd and queer. 

Which stir one's sense of humor as they fall upon the ear, 

Pleasant to those who read or speak as unto those who hear. 

Published in' Parts, each Part containing Fifty Selections. Paper Covers, 15 
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50 cents each. ^^^_^,^^___ 

E,BA.I>I3>TC3- CLTJB IsTO. 1- 

"We have many readers and books that purport to furnish pieces for the use 
of amateur speakers and juvenile orators. But the great defect in nearly all of 
them is, that their selections are made from the same series of authors. We are 
surfeited ad nauseam with ' The boy stood on the burning deck, ' ' On Linden, 
when the sun was low,' ' My name is Norval ! ' or, ' My voice is still for war.' 
But in this volume, the first of a series, Mr. Baker deviates from the beaten 
track, and furnishes some fifty selections which have not been published before 
in any collection of readings. Mr. Baker has himself written many pieces for the 
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E,E-A.3DI2SrC3- CLXJB ISTO- S- 

' ' Mr. Baker deserves the thanks of the reading public for his indefatigable 
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" In its adaptation to day schools, seminaries, colleges, and home reading, the 
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" This is one of those books that our teachers ought to have at hand to spice 
up with now and then. This is No. 3 of the series, and they are all brim full 
of short articles, serious, humorous, pathetic, patriotic, and dramatic. Send and 
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' ' The young elocutionist will find it a convenient pocket companion, and the 
general reader derive much amusement at odd moments fi^om its perusal." — 
Forest and Stream, N. Y., Jan. 6, 1876. 



Sold by all Booksellers, and sent by mail, postpaid, on receipt of price. 

LEE & SHEPAED, Publishers, Boston. 



SPEITCER'S UNIVERSAL STAGE, 



43. 



36. lOlauiond cut 1>iamoiid. An In- 

terlude in One Act. By W. H. Mur- 
ray. 10 Male, 1 Female character. 

37. liook after ISrown. A Farce in 

One Act. By George A. Stuart, 
M. D. 6 Male, 1 Female character. 

38. iHonseigneur. A Drama in Tliree 

Acts. By Thomas Archer. 15 Male, 
3 Female characters. 

39. A very pleasant Evening. A 

Farce in One Act. By W. E. Suter. 
3 JIale characters. 

40. Brother Ben. A Farce in One 

Act. By J, M. Morton. 3 Male, 3 
Female characters. 

41. Only a Clod. A Comic Drama in 

One Act. By J. P. Simpson. 4 Male, 
1 Female character. 

42. Gaspardo the Gondolier. A 

Drama in Three Acts. By George 
Alrnar. 10 Male, 2 Female charac- 
ters. 

Sunshine through the Clouds. 

A Drama in One Act. By Slingsby 
Lawrence. 3 Male, 3 Female char- 
acters. 

**?»'* Judge by Appearances. 

A J arce in One Act. By J. M. Mor- 
ton. 3 Male, 2 Female characters. 

IVursey Chickweed. A Farce in 
One Act. By T. J. Williams. 4 
Male, 2 Female characters. 

Mary Moo ; or, T\ hich shall I 
Marry? A Farce in One Act. By 
W. E. Suter. 2 Male, 1 Female 
character. 

East liy nne. A Drama in Five 

Acts. 8 Male, 7 Female characters. 
The Hidden Hand. A Drama in 

five Acts. By Robert Jones, lij 

Male, 7 Female characters. 
Silyerstone's Wager. A Commedi- 

etta in One Act. By R. R. Andrews. 

4 Male, 3 Female characters. I 

^^""^ o ^^.^^^''^^ Drama in Three ! 
Acts. By Charles Reade. 5 Male, 
2 1'emale characters. i 

^n^i'^A^ .'*"*l Priies. A Farce in 
One Act. By Dexter Smith. 5 ' 
aiale, 2 Female characters. I 

Old Gooseberry. A Farce in One 
Act. By T. J. Williams. 4 Male, 
2 Female characters. 



52. 



53. Who's TVho. A Farce in One Act. 
By T. J. Williams. 3 Male, 2 Fe- 
male characters. 

j 54. Bouquet. A Farce in One Act. 2 
Male, 3 Female characters. 

1 55. The Wife's Secret. A Play in 
Five Acts. By George W. Lovell. 
10 Male, 2 Female characters. 
50. The Babes in the l^'ood. A 
Comedy in Three Acts. By Tom 
Taylor. 19 Male, 3 Female charac- 
ters.. 

57. Putkins : Heir to Castles in the 
Air. A Comic Drama in One Act. 
By W. R. Emerson. 2 Male, 2 Fe- 
male characters. » 

An Fgly Customer. A Farce in 
One Act. By Thomas J. Williams. 
3 Male, 2 Female characters. 

Blue and Cherry. A Comedy in 
One Act. 3 Male, 2 Female charac- 
ters. 

A Doubtful Victory. A Comedy 
in One Act. 3 Male, 2 Female char- 
acters. 

The Scarlet tetter. A Drama in 
Three Acts. 8 Male, 7 Female char- 
acters. 

Which ^vill have Him ? A Vau- 
deville. 1 Male, 2 Female charac- 
ters. 

Madam is Abed. A Vandeville in 
One Act. 2 Male, 2 Female charac- 
ters. 

The Anonymous Kiss. A Vaude- 
ville. 2 Male, 2 Female characters. 

The Cleft Stick. A Comedy in 
1 hree Acts. 5 Male, 3 Female char- 
acters. 

A Soldier, a Sailor, a Tinker, 
and a Tailor. A Farce in One 
Act. 4 Male, 2 Female characters. 

Give a I>og a Bad IVame. A 

Farce. 2 Male, 2 Female Characters. 
]>anion and Pythias. A Farce. 

Male, 4 Female characters. 

A Husband to Oi-der. A Scrio- 
1 Comic Drama in Two Acts. 5 Male, 

! 3 Female characters. 

I 70. Payable on Bemand. A Domes- 

I tic Drama in Two Acts. 7 Male, 1 

Female character. 



58. 
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64. 

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I 66. 

^67. 
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A. Xliorn A.B1UI1S the Roses. Comedy in One Act. 2 male. 6 femjLlp i-haraM,^,-^ ic -— 

. — . , Nevei' Say I>ie. Comedy in One Act. 3 male, 3 f 

^ ^^ ) Seeiiiar the Klephant. 6 male, 3 temale character 

^ [ The Chuinpiuu of Her Sex. 8 female characti 

(^ I 1'he 'roiirnameut of Idylcourt. 10 female cli 

5^ \^'l'he "Visious of ^'reedom. 11 female characters 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



^ Plays for Amateur 




By GEORGE M. BJ 



015 863 496 P 



Author of " Aniatetir Dramas," 



The Mimic Stage.'" " The Social Stage " " The Drawing-room Stage," 
'• A Bakers Dozen," ^c. 



Titles ill tliis Type are IVe-\v Plays. 



DKAMAS. 

/// Three Acts. 



Cis. 



3Iy 3$rotUer's Keeper. 5 male, 3 
female characters 15 

/« T1V0 Acts. 
Anioii^ the Breakers. 6 male, 4 

female characters 15 

SvLvi.^'s Soldier. 3 male, 2 female char- 
acters 15 

Once on a Ti.me. 4 male, 2 female char- 
acters 15 

Down by the Se.\. 6 male, 3 female 
characters 15 

Bread on the Wateks. 5 male, 3 fe- 
male characters 15 

The Last Loaf. 5 male, 3 female char- 
acters 15 

/« Chie A ct. 
Stand by the Flag. 5 male characters. 15 
The Tempter. 3 male, i female charac. 15 

COMEDIES and FARCES. 

The Itostoii I>ip. 4 male, 3 female 
characters 15 

The Ouchess of I>ubliu. 6 male, 
4 female characters 15 

We'ke all Teetotalers. 4 male, 2 
female characters 15 

A Drop too Much. 4 male, 2 female 
characters 15 

Thirty Minutes for Refreshments. 
4 male, 3 female characters 15 

A Little More Cider. 5 male, 3 fe- 
male characters 15 

Alale Characters Only. 
Caeittlenieii of the Jury. 12 char. 15 
A Tender Attachment. 7 char. 
The Thief of Time. 6 char. . 
The llypoehoiidriac. 5 char. 
A Public Benefactor. 6 char. 
The Itu^iaAva^ , char. . . . 

Coals cI 2iie. i ar 

Wanted, a Mau. v.t k. 4 char. . 
A Sea of Troubles 8 char. . . . 



FARCES. 

Freedom of the Press. 8 char. . . . 

A Close Shave. 6 char. 

The Great Elixir. 9 char 

The Man with the Demijohn. 4char. 
Humors of the Strike. 8 char. . • • 
New Brooms Sweep Clean. 6 char. . . 
My Uncle the Captain. 6 char. . . . 
Female Characters Only. 

The Red Chignon. 6 char 

Vsing the Weed. 7 char 

A IL.ove of a Bonnet. 5 char. . . . 

A Precious Pickle. 6 char 

The Greatest Plague in Life. 8cha. 

No Cure, no Pay. 7 char 

The Grecian Bend. 7 char. 

ALLEGORIES. 

A rranged for Music and Tableaux. 

The Revolt of the Bees. 9 female 
characters 

Lightheart's Pilgrimage. 8 female 
characters 

The War of the Roses. 8 female char- 
acters 

The Sculptor's Triumph, i male, 4 fe- 
male characters 

MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC. 

The Seven Ages. A Tableau En- 
tertainment. Numerous male and fe- 
male characters 

Too Late for the Train. 2 male char- 
acters 

Snow-bound ; or, Alonzo the Brave 
AND the Fair Imogene. 3 male, i 
female character 

Bonbons; or, The Paint- King. 3 ni^le, 
I female character 

The Pedler of Very Nice. 7 male 
characters 

An Original Idea. 1 male, i female 
character 

Capuletta ; or, Romeo and Juliet 
Restored. 3 male, i female character. 



K.: 



X 



TEMPERAIsCE PIECES. 

The Last Loaf. 5 male, 3 female characters 15 

The Tempter. 3 male, i female character 15 

We'ke all Teetotalers. 4 male, 2 female characters 15 

A Drop too Much. 4 male, 2 female characters >5 

A Little More Cider. 5 male, 3 female characters 15 

The ^L'\N with the Demijohn. 4 characters 15 

Baker's Humorous BialoKues. Male characters only. 25 cents. 
Baker's Humorous I>Ialoeu<)«> Female character! ooly. 25centi. 




